Revitalising a tired 1960s office block
gcp has been working hard to bring Bristol Water's 1960s headquarters into the twenty-first century, creating a modern working environment fit for a major utility.
A year on from the energy saving over-cladding contract, the shell of a new build extension has just been completed and the final phase of work has now begun, which involves the internal Category A refurbishment and fit-out of the entire building.
Improving the airtightness of the aluminium windows has been the most noticeable improvement so far, but the improved thermal performance achieved by over-cladding and re-roofing is reaping benefits in reduced running costs.
Replacing mechanical systems during the final phase will lead to further economies, yet the proof of the pudding will be in the heat load reduction when energy monitoring is evaluated post completion.
The scheme targets BREEAM 'Very Good' and has been accepted as a pilot project under the BRE's new Non-Domestic Refurbishment standard. The ability to track energy usage at three stages of the build; pre refurbishment, post fabric enhancement and post refurbishment, should provide invaluable data.